You know a film’s scary when you can’t eat your nachos

Lucy Penman

Ihave to admit that I do not have a good track record when it comes to watching scary films. I walked out after 10 minutes on a recent cinema visit, as I was so scared I feared I would never sleep again. That did not stop me going to see A Quiet Place, though, after hearing so much about it that I thought forewarned may be forearmed. Oh that dear, naive, unsuspecting person I used to be.

For anyone who has yet to see it, this film basically involves a family forced to live in silence as there are blind monsters roaming the world, hunting their human prey through sound. I know, but it is actually the most terrifying premise and the film does not let up with the tension from beginning to end.

I jumped out of my skin approximately a gazillion times and when we emerged from the cinema, I realised my gums were aching as I must have been clenching my teeth throughout.

But the really extraordinary thing was that a packed cinema, full of people with smelly food in their laps, was absolutely silent for the duration of the film. No crunching of nachos, popcorn or slurping of drinks. I think many people took the precaution of scarfing their snacks during the trailers. Because perish the thought we can go for more than an hour without some sustenance.

The respectful silence of the audience added to the horror of the film and, I have to admit, I was so scared that I had trouble falling asleep that night. As well as being properly scary, it is also very clever and beautifully acted so I’m very pleased I made it to the end.

I’m still a first-class sap when it comes to horror films but at least I managed to stay the course (even if I had my eyes covered for much of the action). Who knows? It could be a sign of maturity. Perhaps I’ll now be able to watch Poltergeist or The Shining without bursting into tears and having to sleep with the light on. But maybe not. Small steps.